O’Brien Coin Price Guide 2016: The Irish Coinage of George III

2016 Market Values

The coinage of George II is reasonably easy to find in the lower grades but a substantial premium is paid for higher grade coins – which are not easy to obtain. Last year, we saw steep price increases at auction for proofs and regular issues in Extremely Fine (EF) and Uncirculated grades.

George III, 1760-1820. London Halfpenny 1766

Like all official Irish coinage since the time of William & Mary, the above Irish halfpennies were struck in London by the Royal Mint. George III, however, ordered Irish coins to be struck in other mints – hence, the halfpennies above are known as the London Coinage of George III.

In a departure from recent tradition, George II re-formed his coinage and engaged the Soho Mint of Birmingham to strike the new ‘heavy’ copper coinage. The farthings (above) and the halfpennies and pennies (below) are, therefore, known as the Soho Coinage to collectors.